Air-Fryer Tater Tots: Quick, Crispy, Golden Treats

Tater tots are a staple in many freezers, and for good reason: they're a quick, easy, and delicious side dish or snack. If you're looking for a way to cook them that doesn't involve deep-frying or using the oven, an air fryer is a perfect solution. Air-fried tater tots are crispy, golden brown, and fluffy, and they cook in just 12 to 15 minutes. Plus, you can make them straight from frozen, with no need to defrost or pre-cook. In this article, we'll show you how to cook tater tots in an air fryer so they turn out perfectly crispy and delicious every time.

How to Cook Tater Tots in an Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making tater tots. It ensures that your tater tots start crisping as soon as they come into contact with the basket. To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and wait for around 5 minutes before adding your tater tots. The optimal temperature for cooking tater tots is 400 degrees Fahrenheit, so set your air fryer to this temperature as it preheats.

It is important to note that the temperature and timing may vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model and your preferred level of crispiness. Some air fryers may reach the desired temperature faster or slower than others, so it is always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and guidelines. Additionally, if you prefer your tater tots to be extra crispy, you may want to preheat your air fryer for a slightly longer duration or increase the temperature by a few degrees.

When preheating your air fryer, it is important to ensure that the basket is in place. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and ensures that the cooking area is evenly heated. If your air fryer has adjustable racks or trays, make sure they are in the correct position according to the instructions or the type of food you are cooking.

While preheating, you can also prepare your tater tots by spreading them out in a single layer on a plate or tray. This ensures that they are ready to be placed into the air fryer as soon as it finishes preheating. It is important that the tater tots are not overcrowded and have enough space to cook evenly. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to cook them in smaller batches to ensure even cooking.

Once the preheating is complete, carefully place the tater tots into the air fryer basket. Make sure they are arranged in a single layer, giving them enough space to cook evenly and allowing hot air to circulate properly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Use frozen tater tots

Air fryers are a great way to cook frozen tater tots, as they produce super crispy results in a short amount of time. The first step is to preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the frozen tater tots straight from the freezer into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

The cooking time will depend on how crunchy you like your tater tots. For a good level of crispiness, cook them for 12 to 15 minutes at 400°F. Shake the tray halfway through to ensure they cook evenly on all sides and don't burn. If you like your tater tots extra crispy, cook them for another minute or two until they are a dark golden brown.

You can also add extra flavour by lightly spraying the tater tots with oil before cooking. This will help them turn an even crispier golden brown and stop them from sticking to the air fryer basket. You can also add a sprinkle of salt or an herb seasoning blend.

Tater tots are a great side dish for burgers, chicken, grilled cheese, or hot dogs. They can even be served for breakfast with bacon and eggs.

Cook for 7-15 minutes

Once you've preheated your air fryer to 400°F and placed your frozen tater tots in a single layer in the fryer basket, it's time to cook them for 7-15 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on your desired level of crispiness. For softer potatoes with a slight crisp, consider reducing the cooking time by a minute or two. Check on your tater tots around the 10 or 11-minute mark. If you prefer them extra crispy, leave them in for a little longer, checking back every minute or so. You'll know they're done when they're a dark golden brown.

While it's not essential, some recipes recommend lightly spraying the tater tots with oil before cooking. This will help them crisp up and prevent them from sticking to the basket. Avocado oil, vegetable oil, or olive oil (not extra virgin) are good options, as they have a higher smoke point and won't leave a bitter taste.

Remember to shake the basket every 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning. If your air fryer doesn't have good airflow underneath the tots, you may need to shake the basket around the 7-minute mark.

Shake the basket

Shaking the basket is an important step in the process of cooking tater tots in an air fryer. This step ensures that the tater tots cook evenly on all sides and helps to prevent them from sticking to the basket. It also gives you an opportunity to check on the progress of the tater tots and ensure they are browning evenly.

To shake the basket effectively, pause the air fryer every 3-5 minutes and remove the basket carefully. Give the basket a good shake, tossing the tater tots so that they move around and don't stay in one place. This will help to ensure even cooking and browning.

It is important to note that different air fryers may have different airflow patterns, so the frequency of shaking the basket may vary. Some air fryers may require shaking the basket only once halfway through the cooking process, while others may need it more frequently.

By shaking the basket regularly, you can also control the level of crispiness of your tater tots. If you find that they are getting too crispy, you can reduce the cooking time or shake the basket more frequently to prevent excessive browning.

Shaking the basket is a simple yet crucial step in achieving the desired level of crispiness and even cooking for your tater tots. It only takes a few seconds but makes a significant difference in the final result.

Serve with a dipping sauce

Air fryer tater tots are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some ideas to elevate your tater tot experience:

Ketchup: A Classic Combination

The sweet and tangy taste of ketchup is a classic choice for a reason. It pairs perfectly with the crispy exterior and soft interior of air fryer tater tots, adding a burst of flavour to every bite. Whether you prefer the traditional tomato ketchup or explore flavoured varieties, this dipping sauce is a crowd-pleaser, especially among kids.

Ranch: Cool and Creamy

For a creamy and refreshing contrast to the crispy tater tots, serve them with a side of ranch dressing. The cool and tangy flavour of ranch pairs beautifully with the golden brown morsels. It's a great option to balance out the richness of other dishes on your plate, providing a refreshing herby kick.

Barbecue Sauce: Smoky and Savoury

If you're looking to add a smoky, savoury twist to your tater tots, barbecue sauce is the way to go. The sweet and tangy flavours of barbecue sauce, often enhanced with a hint of spice, create a delicious combination. It's an excellent choice when serving tater tots as a side dish with grilled meats or vegetables.

Honey Mustard: Sweet and Spicy

For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness with a spicy kick, honey mustard is the perfect dipping sauce. The combination of tangy mustard and sweet honey creates a unique flavour profile that complements the crispy potatoes. This sauce adds a sophisticated twist to your tater tots, making them a perfect appetiser or side dish.

Aioli: Garlicky Goodness

Aioli, a garlic-infused mayonnaise, brings a punch of flavour to your tater tots. The creamy texture and pungent taste of aioli create a delightful contrast with the crispy potatoes. It's an indulgent and flavourful choice, perfect for those who love the zesty kick of garlic.

Frequently asked questions